Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has been spotted sharing light moments with former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua after attending the funeral of the late first senator for Kirinyaga County, David Karaba, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Upon his arrival at the funeral, top dignitaries, including United Opposition leaders, moved to welcome him as he alighted from his car, greeting each of them.

What has caught the attention of many is his interaction with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua. The two were seen engaging in light conversations, laughing, and appearing to enjoy the moment, with Uhuru at one point giving Gachagua a thumbs up.

The two leaders, who were once close allies—with Gachagua having served as Uhuru’s personal assistant for seven years before venturing into business and later politics—fell out after Gachagua supported President William Ruto in the 2022 elections.

Since then, they have been at loggerheads. However, in recent times, the rift between them appears to be narrowing, with signs that their political paths may be aligning. This was evident when Uhuru Kenyatta called out Jubilee Party members who had been attacking Gachagua, such as former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni, warning that continued attacks could lead to disciplinary action.

Additionally, former Gatanga MP and Uhuru ally David Murathe has softened his stance on Gachagua, even endorsing him as a suitable presidential flag bearer for the United Opposition, arguing that he would secure an early win.

“Riggy G, tunakutuma hio kazi uhakikishe. Mimi najua wewe ukifocus unafocus sana, and tunasema mketi, sisi tuko pamoja na nyinyi,” Murathe stated.

This shift has also seen Jeremiah Kioni tone down his criticism, meeting Gachagua at his Karen residence and later praising him as the undisputed kingpin of the Mt Kenya region. He further stated that what Gachagua has achieved within a year in the opposition surpasses what Raila Odinga accomplished over his long political career in the opposition.

Jubilee joins the United Opposition

This comes at a time when Uhuru Kenyatta has allowed his Jubilee Party to join the United Opposition.

The resolution was reached after he chaired a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where the party also endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to lead the party and act as its link within the newly rebranded United Alternative Government.

Political analyst’s reaction

Political analysts have been taking swipes at the two, saying that should they join hands, they could spell doom for President William Ruto’s re-election. Political analyst peter kagwanja stated that Uhuru is like a ‘Muthamaki’, meaning leader while Gachagua is like a ‘mutongoria’, a person who runs daily errands for the community and takes instructions from the boss Muthamaki

Political fireworks are expected to emerge from the funeral following the meeting between the two leaders.